Discover the extraordinary prehistoric monuments, Norse heritage and dramatic coastal landscapes of Orkney on a four-day private tour from Inverness, personally guided by Scottish Highlands historian John Alasdair Macdonald, PhD.
Explore the remarkable Neolithic village of Skara Brae, the ancient standing stones of the Ring of Brodgar, the historic heart of Kirkwall and the wartime story of the Italian Chapel. With an additional day to explore Orkney beyond its best-known sites, you can discover its rugged coastlines, fascinating island communities and the naval history of Scapa Flow.
Travelling in the comfort of a private vehicle with an experienced historian, you will explore Scotland's northern landscapes at a more personal, unhurried pace. This is an opportunity to understand not just Orkney's remarkable monuments, but the people and events that shaped its history.
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Full private tour pricing, detailed itinerary and frequently asked questions are available on The Hebridean Explorer website (see tour page).
Day 1 — Inverness to OrkneyDepart Inverness for a scenic three hour journey through the North Highlands to the ferry port of Scrabster. This coastal drive offers stunning views and a stop in the historic town of Dornoch. We then cross the Pentland Firth (1½ hour ferry sailing) passing the iconic Old Man of Hoy, before arriving in the picturesque port of Stromness. The late-afternoon is dedicated to a tour of Skara Brae, a remarkably preserved 5,000-year-old Neolithic village, before we settle into the historic capital of Kirkwall for our three night stay.
Day 2 — OrkneyOur first full day on Orkney is spent uncovering the mysteries of the Orkney mainland. We explore the Neolithic standing stones of Stenness, the monumental Ring of Brodgar, and the 2,000-year-old Broch of Gurness. The journey includes a visit to the chambered tomb of Maeshowe and the poignant Italian Chapel, built during WWII. We conclude our day in Kirkwall with time to admire the red sandstone majesty of St Magnus Cathedral and the ruins of the Earl’s Palace.
Day 3 — OrkneyOur second full day on Orkney provides the opportunity to venture beyond the main sites. We can focus on Orkney's dramatic coastline, visiting the towering cliffs of Yesnaby, the tidal island of Birsay, and the Gloup, a dramatic collapsed sea cave in Mull Head Nature Reserve — along with free time in Kirkwall or perhaps enjoy a tasting at the Highland Park or Scapa whisky distilleries (advance booking required). Alternatively, for those interested in Orkney's naval history, we can sail across Scapa Flow to the Isle of Hoy, visiting the acclaimed Scapa Flow Museum along with the secluded, towering cliffs of Rackwick Bay.
Day 4 — Orkney to InvernessDeparting from Kirkwall, we head to Stromness for the mid-morning ferry back to the Scottish mainland. Our return journey to Inverness follows a beautiful coastal route, featuring a mid-afternoon visit to the breathtaking Dunrobin Castle. With its towering spires and formal gardens overlooking the sea, the castle provides a beautiful finale to our exploration of the North before we arrive back in Inverness.
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